McGill Coat of Arms History

The name McGill in Ireland is derived from the native Gaelic Mac an Ghaill Sept which is taken from the Gaelic word 'gall' meaning 'foreigner'. The variant Magill is sometimes used in the Province of Ulster and the name is also an abbreviation of various names that begin with 'Mac Giolla'. Through the centuries the MCGILL family was affiliated with many different clans through marriage. The clan MACDONALD claims the MCGILL family as a sept or directly affiliated family, entitled to clan rights including the use of the clan tartan shown above. The Shield: Red with three gold birds. The Crest: A phoenix. The motto: "Sine Fine"